Seton Hall University Celebrates Investiture of 20th President

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Seton Hall University President A. Gabriel Esteban speaks at the Presidential Investiture ceremony at the university Friday morning.

The Seton Hall University community formally welcomes A. Gabriel Esteban as the institution’s 20th president.

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ – Seton Hall University President A. Gabriel Esteban was welcomed with a traditional procession of bagpipes by an audience of scholars, trustees, faculty and students for Friday’s Presidential Investiture Ceremony.

Esteban, the 20th president of Seton Hall, is the first Filipino-American president of a major university. He was presented with the chain and medallion that symbolize his presidency.

“He has a strong appreciation for the future growth and development of our university,” said Patrick Murray, chairman of the Board of Regents, as he praised Esteban’s “universal perspective.”

Many have referred to Esteban as a visionary president who brings the skills to embark on a new era that is centered on the idea of globalization.

“Under the leadership of Doctor Esteban, not only will Seton Hall continue to achieve new heights of academic excellence but continue to attract highly competent students such as ourselves,” said Derel M. Stroud, Student Government Association president.

Esteban, an immigrant, recalled his journey to the United States. “Not unlike millions before us, we left behind our families, friends and everything we knew to take a chance at a better life through education in this great country,” Esteban said.

Esteban came to Seton Hall in 2007 as provost and became the first lay president of Seton Hall in a generation after the departure of former university President Monsignor Robert Sheeran.

Esteban has spearheaded strategic planning at the university and is implementing new approaches to increase recruitment and retention despite the economical crisis. “Toward this end, our recently announced undergraduate public tuition rate incentive directed toward academically qualified students, wherever they may be, demonstrates our commitment to this principle,” said Esteban.

“I ask that you, our university community, commit with me to strive for excellence in academics by encouraging and supporting research and scholarship among our faculty while enriching the mentoring and teaching of students that is our hallmark,” Esteban said.

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